Exterior Stone & Metal Preservation, United States Capitol – North, South and West Facades

Completed in the fall of 2023, the exterior stone restoration of the North, the South and the West facades of the U.S. Capitol was completed to the highest standard of craftsmanship. The projects included comprehensive façade cleaning, specialty restoration, and the careful repair and replacement of highly deteriorated carved stone elements.

Hundreds of intricately detailed features—including scrolls, acanthus leaves on column capitals, flutes on column shafts, rosettes, pendants, and cornice brackets—were repaired or replaced using like-for-like materials and traditional finishes. Teams of highly skilled masons and stone carvers from Europe and the United States executed the work under demanding conditions, restoring complex detailing with precision. Restoration of fragile pediment sculptures was completed with exceptional care and accuracy.

Replacement stone was carefully matched to existing materials, including Vermont marble, Cockeysville marble, Lee marble, Georgia marble, and select granites. Mortar compositions were laboratory-analyzed and reformulated to match original color and composition, ensuring seamless integration with historic fabric. Extensive mock-ups were performed to validate all repair methods and materials prior to approval.

The result is a fully restored façade that preserves the architectural integrity and historic character of the U.S. Capitol, with continued restoration efforts advancing as the team prepares to return for the East façade beginning in Summer 2026.